Bruntwood unveils Knutsford housing plan
Bruntwood has confirmed its move into the residential market with plans for 150 homes at Booths Park in Knutsford, Cheshire along with new offices and sports facilities.
Over the past four months, Bruntwood has been consulting its customers and the wider community through a Facebook page to inform its vision for a wider mix of uses and activities at the park, and has this week announced its plan through Cheshire East Council's draft Core Strategy.
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Bruntwood will also contribute to the cost of upgrading Knutsford's highways infrastructure to tackle the existing congestion in the town, as well as provide improved green travel links to the town centre.
The proposal includes up to 150 new homes, 30% of which will be affordable, on land screened from the remainder of the estate and wider area, with a new access route, to help meet the need for housing.
Under the draft masterplan, prepared by BDP and P4 Planning, the long term future of Toft Cricket Club would be secured on site, with Bruntwood offering new investment in its training, youth development facilities and pavilion.
In addition, new playing pitches and a clubhouse are proposed to provide a long-awaited home for Knutsford Rugby Club, which would benefit the community as a whole.
Although only in the early stages, Bruntwood said its vision has had initial support from local conservationists, following the company's pledge that any development would not detract from the continued commitment to the heritage of the park and its preservation as a site of historical importance.
Preservation of mature trees to ensure the development is screened and minimising any impact on the Green Belt will help maintain the high quality setting of Booths Hall Estate, in which Bruntwood has a long-term interest.
Chris Roberts, development director of Bruntwood, said: "As owner of the estate, we want to further enhance our vision for the future of Booths Park, which we see as one of the jewels in Knutsford's crown. In our proposals, we will invest more into the existing sporting and community facilities to create a new place with a number of uses, which is in keeping with the rest of the landscape.
"We also know there is a need for new housing in Knutsford and believe we could provide a good mix of tenures, including affordable homes and family homes, as well as those aimed at keeping young people in Knutsford, on a scheme with the least impact on green belt.
"Once we have drawn up the plans, we will of course be consulting with the community and local residents to hear their thoughts and help shape these long-term plans for a new vision and a lasting legacy for generations to come at Booths Park."
